· November, 2012

Stories about International Relations from November, 2012

Palestine Gets “Symbolic” Upgrade at the UN

The upgrade of Palestine from an "entity" to a "non-member state" at the United Nations received a lukewarm reaction from netizens - who asked what a 'symbolic' gesture like recognising Palestine at the United Nations would do to Palestinians, particularly those living under Israeli occupation and refugees.

30 November 2012

South China Sea or Austronesian Sea?

Le Minh Khai thinks that “Austronesian Sea” or “Nusantao Sea” are more appropriate names for the South China Sea referring to Austronesian peoples who navigated the territory in the past....

30 November 2012

Iran: Reflections on Gaza and Israel

For many in Iran, the issues surrounding Gaza, Hamas, and Palestine are viewed through a prism of politics. Condemning Hamas publicly means becoming a target. One Iranian student organization, became a victim of this policy because of its stance against both Hamas and Israel in the previous Gaza war.

27 November 2012

Yemen: Ashoura Celebration in Sanaa Attacked

November 24th is Ashoura Day, and it is a day that is commemorated in the Muslim world by both the Sunni and Shite sects. However in Yemen, it was a tragic day as four people were killed and more than a dozen were wounded in an explosion that targeted a Shiite Ashoura Celebration in the capital Sanaa. This was the first sectarian bombing to occur in Sanaa, an alarming development with the clear aim to fuel sectarianism in Yemen.

26 November 2012

Doubting the Efficiency of EU Funding for Slovakia

The European Commission has unveiled plans for priorities in funding Slovakia during the years of 2014-2020. One of the problems is that the EU money is often used for unnecessary and unproductive initiatives and projects. Tibor Blazko translates netizens' views on the issue.

24 November 2012

Pakistan Stands With Palestine

A number of rallies and protests were held in Pakistan to show solidarity with the Palestinians in their recent conflict with Israel. Using social media, people have raised concerns over the grave situation, displayed support and also condemned the government for being more involved in Gaza rather than dealing with the increased terrorism back home.

24 November 2012

Candles Lit for Gaza in Bulgaria's Capital

About 100 people gathered in Sofia's central square to show their support for the victims of Israel's recent Operation Pillar of Defense in the Gaza Strip. Facebook page “Together for...

23 November 2012

Malaysian Residents Oppose Rare Earths Refinery

Malaysia is set to build the world's largest rare earths refinery after the High Court rejected petitions opposing the project. In response environment groups, residents, and concerned citizens have vowed to step up protests against the plant.

21 November 2012

Myanmar Overwhelmed by Obama's Kiss

Thousands of people greeted Barack Obama who made history by becoming the first president of the United States to set foot on Myanmar. People talked about his speech, his foreign policies, and most especially the kiss he gave to opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Internet users used the hashtag #Oburma to monitor Obama's trip in Myanmar

21 November 2012

Hardinge Bridge Over A Dried-up River Bed

Lonely Traveler posts photos of the century old 1.8 kilometer long Hardinge bridge over the Padma river in Pabna, Bangladesh. The upper-riparian country India erected barrage on the Ganges river...

20 November 2012